Bangalore Countdown Day 23 - 19

Bangalore Countdown Day 24 Read Here

As expected, am getting lazy and the daily posts are taking their toll on me. (Am eating more) Nonetheless, in the greater food good, here goes the rest of the places you should drop by.

1. Woodstock (Indiranagar)

Located off 100 feet road (first left after the flyover coming from Koramangla)

I actually am surprised I missed this way up front. It has a good ambience, brings back lots of fond memories, and has awesome Sizzlers. In fact most of their food is awesome. All time Favorite, without doubt is the London House Woodstock Grill. If you reach there before 7-8 pm, you get a 30% disc or a 1+1 on booze, so its worth the rush from work. The Caesar Salad is good, but deserts are so so (except the Kahlua mousse) I would avoid cocktails, they mess them up. Rates right up there in my top 3.

2. Davangere Benne Dosa (Off DVG Road, Netakallapa Circle)

Its not the actual name, and the restaurant is 10feet by 3 feet long, staffed by some 7 people. You eat outside, under the shade of the Huge Banyan Tree. IF you beat the crowd in line to order some delicious, mouth watering, crispy, Benne Dosa's all in True Davangere Ishtyle. They serve lots of free Chutney, with a Soft Aloo mix that I have never ever got anywhere else. I can't explain to you in words, but believe me, If you're not the snooty-fine-dine only, and love awesome food, please head here and eat your heart out. Again, IF you reach the counter that is.

3. The Only Place, Museum road




Most of you have heard of it, many have been there. Must try the Whooper burger line up, the Lasagna and specials. Totally worth it. Again, Absolutely crowded.



4. Daddy's Deli, Indiranagar (Near Sony World Signal)

Rich, Pampering, Sinful, Delicious, Mouth Watering, Sumptuous, are all the words you'll think of when you're done at Daddy's Deli. And I have only been there once. Parsi Food at its best, grab everything while you can. I wrote about the place quite some time back, and its been one of the top 2 searches on my Blog ever since. They also serve wine, so this Saturday afternoon, grab your loved one and head out for a nice long lunch. Special Recommendation - Eggs  and the Patrani Macchi. :)


I Can't write about food any more!!!Am Starving!!!

***

For as long as I can remember, of all the places, Mumbai was the last place I'd see myself moving too. But then things unfold in mysterious ways, and when you look back after a few years, you'd think "Really?". I was packing today, and for most the time I was nostalgic,just looking at stuff. The first trip to Nandi hills, the second trip to Nandi hills, The mandatory Mysore road Coffee day trip, the Savandurga hills. Over time, all these places leave a little in you, and you in them. And photos, yes. I love taking photos, because it reminds you of the good times. Obviously, no one takes photos of the bad times. In fact, you can guesstimate where a person is standing, depending on the number of photos they've been sharing. If they are the sharing types. Anyways, enough said for one day. Forgive the grammar, too hungry to bother.

Off to dinner :)

***

M

My Story

Way back in the hot summer in Udupi '00, I remember the moment I fell in love with Marketing. Sitting on the steps of the Bus Stop, I overheard my senior talk about Advertising. Yes. Advertising.(how it developed into marketing is a long story) It was then that he told me two things. One, Its important that you always learn, but its more important to let others know you're learning (I now think that if you're learning it shows automatically). And two, You know whats best for you, no one else does. And therefore no one else can ever tell you what to do, whether you're right or wrong, or whatever. Cliché? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

Bangalore Countdown Day 24

Bangalore Countdown Day 26&25 Read Here

Day 24


1. Egg Factory (St Marks Road)

"Eggtarians" rejoice, behold your dreams come true!!! Located in the nook of St. Marks road, right at the beginning and behind Dewars Wines, is this awesome place that serves, well, Eggs!!!and all types of em. They have a range of dishes, including some varieties that are native to the Education town of Manipal. What makes this place really cool, is that the interiors are set up like a factory. Work benches for seats, quirky sign boards and all that. There's always place to sit down, the service is good, the ambiance is fun. Eggcited? Head out this Sunday to see for yourself!!!

2. Laa Jawaab (Indiranagar)

On CMH Road, right above ICICI Bank is this nice fine dine kinda restaurant which was discovered by  accident (I was looking at the new glow sign, when the car screeched to a haul inches away from my bike). They have an awesome range of tandoori kebabs, and most of the mutton dishes are succulent. Avoid Cocktails and Vegetarian items, and the waiters can get snooty. But the Mutton, Sigh. The ambiance is nice, over looking CMH without the noise part. Nice family get together? Go for the Chops!!!

***

The closer the D Day, the more interesting its getting. There are so many places that I haven't yet discovered, all ways been pushing it to the next Saturday or Sunday, which inevitably goes down Beer laden pubs. I think the biggest miss has been not getting the tour of the Vidhan Soudha, which must rank as one of the grandest buildings in the country. But I guess the stench of politics would have been too much to bear. Also missed is the Museum on Kasturba Gandhi Road, which frankly speaking did not really appeal to me. I guess all in all, there's still time in the larger scheme of things :)

***
M

Bangalore Countdown Day 26 & 25

Bangalore Countdown Day 27 Read Here

Quick update on Day 27, the Meghana Biryani (Aka Meghana Foods) has also opened parallel to Nagarjuna foods near Brigade road. :)

Day 26&25


1. Punjabi Rasoi (Indiranagar / RT Nagar)

While Bobby Dhaba is by far the most popular "Punjabi" joint in Bangalore, (And I haven't been there, YET) Punjabi Rasoi serves one of the best North Indian Cuisine. I don't call it "Punjabi" cuisine, because I haven't actually eaten in Punjab. Anyways, Recommended grabs here are the Chicken Chatpat (Lip smacking), Mutton Sheekh, Dal Makhani, and Butter Chicken. Prices are very reasonable, and they have decent service.


2. Halli Mane (Malleshwaram)

This HAS to be the most popular Vegetarian joint. Some might say MTR is the best, but personally I think they are two different styles of food. Halli Mane has a typical Bangalore feel, giving you the best of Bangalore and Karnataka. While the sheer pace of the whole thing can be overwhelming for new comers, it  is quite well organized. There is a separate snack counter, Dosa counter, Parcel Counter, Chat counter, and a service dining area above, making it actually look complicated to the new comer. While everything is awesome, do specially try the coffee. Feel free to explore the food!!!

Just FYI, Halli Mane, means Village House in Kannada.

3. Nagarjuna (MG Road / Indiranagar/ Jayanagar)

One of the members of the Andhra Food Trinity of Nagarjuna, Nandini and Nandhana, these guys are particularly better in the quality of food, compared to the other two. Popular for its Biryani and Andhra Meals, unfortunately, just like most of their type, their service is sad. Its always crowded, and it is as if they are doing a favor by letting you eat there. Coming to the food, Andhra Chilly Chicken, most of the mutton dishes and the Biryani is worth a try. If I were you, I'd skip the Sea Food. You are warned, it's some real spicy stuff here, so keep some space for desert ;)


4. Cafe Max (Indiranagar)

This is my absolute favorite hangout, unfortunately, I haven't been there enough. Located on top of the Max Mueller Bhavan on CMH Road, they serve awesome Bacon and Sausages, great Cheese cakes, and a fantastic ambience to go with it. Nice Breezy Terrace, with the right crowd (wink, wink) and there you have a perfect Saturday Morning. This is a must go to place, people. Must. Go. To.




***
I believe the only sad part of Bangalore, are their Auto walas. Totally moronic, they WILL Fleece you, and will make the best attempts to make you pay more. It's happened to me a few times, and its a pain. But then let me tell you that more than 50% of the autos are not licensed and are run by people trying to make a quick buck. It also doesn't help, that during the IT boom, people paid over and above the regular fare. Why? I don't know. But they have got used to it. How to save yourself the trouble? - This should help. (How to Choose an Auto Rickshaw) 


***
M

Bangalore Countdown Day 27

Bangalore Countdown Day 28 Read here

Day 27


1. Kudla (Opp ITC Gardenia, Richmond Road)

This is another restaurant that's a specialist in South Indian Food, the name "Kudla" is a nickname for Mangalore in Tulu. The Sea Food is the star of this restaurant, and their non veg Thali is a must have. The Seer Fish and Prawn is highly recommended, the Chicken Curry is also good. I would skip all Non South Indian stuff, but their not bad either. It's the second best South Canara Restaurant in Bangalore, after Coast 2 Coast.

The Ambiance of the place is very comfortable, adorned with the typical costumes of Yakshagana and Buffalo Racing. They also serve alcohol, so its a nice place to head with Friends or Family for a gastronomical delight. Slightly on the expensive side.

2. Meghana Biryani, Kormangala

Most of us have heard of the Hyderabadi Biryani House, located at Victoria Layout and Old Airport Road that serves really masale-daar Biryani (But the meat isn't that great) and then there is the Hyderabad House located in Koramangala and Residency Road ( Aromatic + Good meat, but Very Very Dry). You also has Ritchie's in Frazer town which does a decent Dum Biryani.

But Meghana Biryani, located in 5th Block, is different. His Fish and Prawn Biryani is fantastic, as is his side dishes in Chicken. The Ambience is decent, but always crowded owing to the college crowd. Nonetheless, if you're trying something different, head over here.

***
I haven't been around the whole of Bangalore, but I have traveled around a lot.Most of this is because of my Sales days in L'Oreal. In fact, most of my mental landmarks have been built around H&G stores, or others. And that's also how I know many good places to eat. Though it may look like there are a lot of places to eat, it is a fact that there is a huge shortage of good restaurants in Bangalore.

What Bangalore has taught me is a don't worry attitude. I mean, the worst that could happen isn't actually that bad. It's a handy lesson.

***
M

Bangalore Countdown Day 28

Bangalore Countdown Day 29 Read Here

Day 28

1.Thulp (Kormangala & Other locations) 

With a seating capacity of 20, lots of board games and comics, and a menu that is introduced by "Moo", this place is an awesome joint. Innovative and Delicious. "Whattaay Burger da" is the first thought with the first bite into that juicy, well done meat dripping with melting cheese and held in place by green lettuce. Sigh. Enough said. go, gO, GO!!!

2. Coast2Coast (Kormangala and MG Road)

Chicken Ghee Roast 

My Favorite place in Bangalore, this is authentic Mangalorean Cuisine. Love Seafood? This is the place to go. Love Kori Roti? You'll get it here. But By GAWD, The master piece, the king of kings, the brillianto magnificento moutha wateringa dish is.......*drum roll*   THE GHEE ROAST. Believe me, and I kid you not, this dish is orgasmic. It comes in a variety of options, like chicken, mutton and prawn, but prawn is the best. The best combo would be to have it with Neer Dose, or Appam. Also must try is the Chicken Sukka, which is a coconut paste based dish from the Coasts of South Canara. They also serve alcohol, so its a great get together point. I will so so so miss it. 

***

As I mentally prepare to leave behind a lot, I don't know a lot of Bangaloreans. Most of my friends are people who have come from out of town, and more so out of state. I don't know why I speak Hindi most of the time, even though am fluent in Kannada. Some people would believe that I am a Mallu, some have even asked me if I was a Bengali. Both to which, I vehemently shook my head in disagreement. One lives on coconuts, and the other on Sugar. 

I made new friends in Bangalore. I learnt the native dialect of Udupi (Tulu), in Bangalore. Amongst other things, which will come in due time, Bangalore saw me through it all. Hopefully till the end. 

***

M

Bangalore Countdown Day 29

Bangalore Countdown Day 30 Read here

Day 29

1. SLV Ragigudda (Jayanagar East End)

SLV Ragigudda

Located at Jayanagar 4th block , East End this restaurant is a legend. It has one of the best South Indian fare in Bangalore, and Adigas stands no where compared to this place. It is one of the most popular eateries around the place, and you will never, NEVER find the place empty. My Favorites were mostly the Dosa Variety, Idli Vada Sambhar Chutney combo (which is truly superb) and the evening snacks. There used to be a lot of the college crowd here, but the last I went there was 2 years back. I hope to make a trip here before I leave though.

2. Kabab Magic (Jayanagar East End & other locations)

Kabab Magic

Am sure all of you have heard of the Empire Chain of restaurants. But believe me, if you fancy similar food, this place is far more tastier and value for money. The Shawarma rolls are to die for (My Favorite Snack!!!) and the Combo meals are brilliant. I think the Arab Pulpy Grape Juice was what they brought to Bangalore for the first time. The Grilled chicken (My Comfort food number 1) here is different in the sense that it is not drowned in fat and red chilli. Their rumali rotis are also awesome and go great with any dish. All in all, if your in that area drop in. Again anytime on Friday onwards, you'l find a huge que. Mind you, however this isn't fine dine. It's great food.

***

My relationship with Bangalore has been love - love. I have taken baby steps at my job, my first bike ride, everything started here. I think I can't remember a single moment where I hated the city. I have been stopped by a cop once and let go. I have had 3 major accidents on my bike, however not once have I been injured. Others have. 

At one time, this Auto toppled in the middle of the road at Ulsoor, because we were crossing a junction and he was speeding and hit my back tyre. But the Auto had school kids in them and one of them got a cut on her head (And it was her bday) The whole crowd got together against me, even though it wasn't my fault. But the moment I spoke in Kannada, every one backed off. After intense interrogation by the kids grandparents and colony members, I was let go. I went to the hospital with chocolate's and was expecting the worst from her parents. But the girl had told her parents that it wasn't my fault. Bless her!!!

So, you know the city also was part of many first's of my life. As I chronicle these places, each one brings back a special memory. Some are Joyful, and some are not. But its all good in the end.

***

M

Bangalore Countdown day 30

A day which I thought would never come has finally come. Am moving out of the state, and more so, out of Bangalore and towards Mumbai.

As a tribute to this City I called home for last 5 years or so, everyday, I intend to put up some of the best places that one must go to, and of course the things that make this city what it is. 

Break it

Tear it, Break it
Throw it out of bounds
Liked it, Loved it,
It Took me down

The noise in my head
Images floating by
Stand by and watch
As things go away

Its blurring
Fading, Cracking
But we move on

Sometimes it ends
To start again
Others just walk over
Smiling through the pain

We still live
We still hope
Give In, Give all
Stop trying to Cope


M

Water Water everywhere.

Of the 70.9 % water that exists on this planet, (Earth, in case your wondering) at least 10% must be in my street. I find myself invariably victim to waterfalls, flash floods and tropical rains all the time. The only place there is a shortage of water seems to be in our bathroom. A Fact, which should not be used to judge the way we live and our hygiene standards.

2 Mistakes

He came across as fun and exciting. He was from Bangalore. He seemed to live everything that I always wanted to. Apart from regular small talk there wasn't much that anyone had in common with him. But there was also this aura of "I know what I am doing" around him that was irresistible charming, and which had most of the people flock to him.

The Choice

It was an early Saturday Evening. The World was at its lazy best, snuggling into a late lunch, playing in the streets and reading the papers that carried stories of people who always looked great in photographs.

But in her head, it was a war. A battle that many of her kind and seen, succumbed to and few survived.

Naive Endings

"They don't understand at all. I hate it. Every day is a pain, its the same thing, and only when I start shouting do they stop. Why don't they leave me alone. I don't want to get married now."

She wasn't crying, but her eyes had welled up. She'd been upset for quite some time now. Ever since they'd met she was this ambitious person who just wanted a chance. Wanting to change the world, achieve some thing big in the corporate world. That's what he had liked about her. In the male dominated world of management, she'd fit in very well. Intelligent. Beautiful. Ambitious. A little naive maybe, but women are seldom naive for long. Especially when there are so many idiots to experiment on.

Fall from Grace

"So are you still interested?" 

The question was as polite as he could have asked. The rest had been more brutal, taking specific pleasure in picturizing the question and lacing it with innuendo's. He had been around enough to know this wasn't over, but was unclear on his status. His question was met with silence.


"Everyone's talking Yaar. Someone saw her with him at the hotel that evening. That Son-of-a-bitch also made sure that everyone knows. He's been telling everyone of his conquest, and its getting viral. She was in a ...."

Haunted

Empty Chair
Silent Phone
Missing Comment
Status
Dinner
Mindless Meeting
Empty Smokes
Bottles of Beer
Fries and Peanuts
Friends
And Enemies
Bosses
Marriage
Woes
Work and Excel
Shoes and Tops
Markets Traveled
Music and Bands
Meaningless Conversations
Flights
Cancelled & Missed
Cabs
Genuine Queries
Shopping
& Sharing
Seafood
Same Time
Same Thing
Private and Personal
Lunch Calls
Ride Home
Movies
TV Shows
And more
One to many
One too many
Life


All Haunted


M

The One that got away

It was the age when college kids were obsessed about two things. One, getting free talk time. And two, was GPRS to download that cool new "reeng tone". It was a fancy thing, having a mobile phone, and everyone who had one, needed to get the better image by having the best jokes and forwards. Today, when the whole world is fighting the android vs. Apple battle, which of course Apple will win hands-down, back then it was all about chatting, or what is better known as sexting.

Sanctum

Some take a look at old photos, some stare into the emptiness of the night. Some when their blinded by the morning Sun, while others go there in the presence of music. Few drink their guts out to reach there, and some stare at the ceiling fans when they go to sleep. Some go there when surrounded by chaos, some, when there is chatter all around. Auto Pilot switches on, and everything else goes silent.

RIP 2011

Sometimes we walk roads that we think are right, which we have missed out on. But once you begin, there is no turning back. There is never turning back. As you take each step, the world around you changes, and the earth beneath collapses. No one can foresee the future, and no one can undo the past. You can only live today.

Family, Marriages and more

After a long time I met a lot many of my extended family. My Cousins, their families, my uncles,aunts and of course the "chachi ki uncle ki mami ki behen ke bade papa ke side wale ghar ke neighbour ki dusri bhen" types.While initially some where skeptical about me being me (thanks to the 40 extra kilos, and about 3 ft of height), they were assured when mom addressed me as her son. Which reassured me that mom still recognized me. Not that she had a choice.

Shakespeare makes an entry

Over tea and samosas, he told me to read this verse from Shakespeare. I almost choked on the tea, but managed to keep the samosas in. Not that the samosas or any food had anything to fear once I had'em. Samosas are great way to spend evenings, and that too with that spicy chutney. And those Kachori's with hot tea and warm Jaleb.......wait.

Shakespeare. Yes.

So he told me to read this verse and get back to him with my interpretation of the same. Now I know the conversation we had bordered on past and previous and current endeavors of a romantic kind, but Shakespeare? Seriously? Me? I would have thought a man to man talk would suggest a movie-thon of blood spilling, weapon totting, forest burning, action heroes in dark raining locales. But this was new, and he insisted. And yes, he is the well read types, and yes he is my friend. Yes, I have all sort of friends. No, I can't give you M S Dhoni's phone number.

So when I did this search, this is what came up: (Please don't roll you eyes, even If you don't want to read. Just read the highlighted lines!!! See how much I care for your readership?!)

The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice blest;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The thronéd monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthronéd in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice. Therefore, Jew,
Though justice be thy plea, consider this,
That, in the course of justice, none of us
Should see salvation: we do pray for mercy;
And that same prayer doth teach us all to render
The deeds of mercy. I have spoke thus much
To mitigate the justice of thy plea;
Which if thou follow, this strict court of Venice
Must needs give sentence 'gainst the merchant there.

—Act IV, sc. i

OK, so now this verse is from the "Merchant of Venice" and this particular verse is also called Portia's speech. I read an abridged version in school and to sum it up - This babe gets in court and saves her boyfriend by telling the merchant he can take a pound of flesh (as agreed in the bond between aforementioned Boyfriend) but not a pound of blood. (Smart, no?) But not before making a plea of mercy.

Of Course, the Merchant was bitch-lawyered. You can read the long, winding explanation on Google.

So where do I fit in?

No, No, I haven't signed a bond for flesh. And I don't have a girlfriend doing bargains for my blood (lots that I have) 

You will agree with me, that when we don't get what we want, when we are treated badly by close friends, when you don't get that job, when Apple screws you with no OS updates for old I phones, we go two ways. One, We get angry and jump around (of the Angry Birds ishtyle), scream & throw tantrums and then shut up. Two, we scheme for revenge.You want to Kolaveri-di their asses to hell-u. *smirk* . It then proceeds-u to get messy-u, bitter-u and blood-u all around. No one wins-u. Everyone looses-u. 

Not one to be left behind, I tried. I tried getting angry and jumping around (not easy at 100+ kilos) screaming (thank you sore throat) and shutting up. Dint help. I tried scheming for revenge, the farthest I could go was to not open the door or maybe drop a call. Not very helpful, must say. I care too much.

Anyways, bottom line. Sooner or later, things move on. And living in limbo is more painful. We were discussing the way forward (ugh I hate that power point slide title) it seemed to my friend that things could get brutal. He's been around for quite a while you see, and he's known me for 5 years now. He's got a front narration of the previous scripts, so, yeah. 

So hence his gentle reminder that, you don't need to cut open a vein to sort things out. You can do it graciously, you can do it mercifully, and not load your prejudices and sarcasm tipped arrows at the target. After all, as a friend, being there through thick and thin, is applicable to oneself as well. So, you can walk away with your head held high and not get influenced by choices others make. You can still make it your choice. 

And so...

"The quality of mercy is not strain'd,..."

M

The Plank Man

I sit on the plank
Feet Dangling in the air
Its eerily cold
And the sun is on its way down
Others have boarded
And the sails are torn

There's not much time
And I've had my say
But no one's listening
Should I turn away?
So many choices on the Ship
The plank is Creaking

With a torn Sail
Where will you go?
The sun is setting and its dark
Don't get Lost and broken,
Don't run ashore
Wait some time
And think some more

You're eager to sail
Its a stormy sea
That lies ahead
Its not the journey you should fear
Its the conviction
That it is what you want

Get a new sail, or sail in this
Chase a setting sun or the full moon
You're your own captain
There's no right or wrong
But ensure
That you'll never sail alone

The plank is creaking
The sun is gone
One end is ashore
One end is yours
Sail Away or come ashore
The plank is creaking,
Can't hold on anymore.

M

Loss and Gain

So, I never thought I'd be on a back to back flop show, as much as I would have hoped it would have one positive. I think the last 1.5 years have been the most eventful in my life.

I would love to say this in poem format, but then theres (no apostrophe #INYOURFACE) nothing left to hide. For the first time in my life, I told a person that am crazy about her and got a "no" back. Much better than having a "no" without saying it. That too, just a few months ago I was riled with heartbreak with no closure.(Read previous post here)

And what fun it is, knowing that there are so many undercurrents. Boy like girl. Girl don't know. Girl likes someone else. Gets married to someone else. In between Guy likes someone else. Some one else already in something else. And then someone else likes someone else. And, wait WHAT? *camera pans out* *repeat still-shot thrice in Eastman color* *sad music*

Yep, Ekta Kapoor stole it from me.

So now, where were we?

Ah, telling something to someone. Surprisingly, I haven't lost a drop of my Louuuuuuve. But now its directed at a good buddy. Not a dime less, just more.I feel the just the same, but more happier and more clear. I seem to have gained a lot lot more.

Of course there's nothing wrong in still harboring hope :P

As mentioned elsewhere,things will get better and for everything and anything the lame guy is always there. #beforeIturnawesome

Cheers Buddy!!!

M

PS: Ab tho comment kar.

Bye Bye Letter

Though this would be published well after it is due, it's been on my mind for quite some time. You see, most of the important things have a place in history. Or timeline as Facebook would want us to call it. But the point is, I have either managed to keep it away from you, or been incompetent to let you know by way of my actions.I have additional conspiracy theories, having to do with world domination, leather pants and others, but lets not go there.

Apart from my naivety with love as it is with women, you have managed to remain an enigma even to date. Your smile still makes me smile, your chit chats still keep me guessing, and your sense of confusion at your own simplicity/complexity amuses me. Our first conversation had to do with a certain kind of snack (divine intervention?) ,Of course I remember what it was that you said, as surely as I know that you wouldn't have a clue. Recalling it here, would be a complete giveaway nonetheless.

When I fell for you, what made it difficult was, that it was within the walls of a corporate environment I had just joined, and away from the support system that I had so carefully built around me. You see, its not like its not happened before, but past failures only made me more determined, and then you happened and it became this beautiful big mess. Like Sambhar. *Sigh*

So while I mustered the courage, trying to keep in sync with your complexities,the 'me' got lost and went overboard in trying to impress you. Over Cocktails and Coffee a desperate attempt was made to know you, and days spent in pondering over your giggles for hints. But as you know, you were in your own turmoils then, and I just pretended I didn't know.

You really drove me up the wall sometimes. Empathy is something you absolutely are not good at, and you have the attention span of a butterfly, or whatever is shorter. Sure, in your defense I never said anything, but maybe if you looked over your shoulder, in between the yes-no-maybe-sigh-off thing you were on, you could've made it out. You're really smart you know.

Over time, when I decided to finally give it a shot, you threw some photos at me, which threw me into a downward spiral. Those Pink Floyd / Trance music video type spirals. And that was that. I must say that cabin boy saved me from having to make an awfully hard decision. And I would have given it up hadn't it been for the aforementioned cabin boy's last minute plan. So guess I owe him.

And then there are the gadzillion things in between which have been discussed in fine detail over bottles of malted barley and fermented grain and what not with willing and unwilling ears.(at First willing, and then unwilling)

There's no running away from these "one sided " things. You know that rubbish about Emotional Quotient and all that jazz. All Rubbish. The response has just been delayed, like a rubber band stretching itself. It will rebound some day somewhere. People told me to effect "closure" by telling you about it. But I blogged about it. Better chances, I tell myself.

To say I am not bitter sometimes, is a lie. But Yes, that you will do well for yourself is something I wish and hope will come true.

Bottom line, is that I am at peace.There's not much buzz anymore and you've revamped yourself. Things have moved on. I won't say its the end of a chapter. Stories live on long after the books are closed. I will still miss you as a dear dear friend, whom I sadly didn't spend enough time with.

So now, can effectively say "been there done that". Again.

Trying to get back to that happy street puppy feeling you keep talking about.

M

Morality and more such nonsense

I come back to the same question. Is doing the right thing really that important? The right thing comes to me as naturally as crotch grabbing comes to Michael Jackson (his own or otherwise). Yet I don't feel right after years of what I thought was sensible, morally acceptable living. The world, for some unfathomable reason, doesn't seem to revolve around me.

I'll say Hi

I won't walk up to give you a Hi
Doesn't mean I didn't see you from the corner of my eye
Smile I might, perhaps a little shy
But its not attitude, you've just got me a little high

Sooner or Later, we will meet
And at my nervous best, I shall be
I will mumble and fumble,but I will be true
I can't help it. Am stuck on to you

Once we talk, I'll make you laugh
Maybe we'll click, maybe not
But then I wouldn't be here, If  I wasn't sure
One look, and I'll know, were going to rock!!!

By now were close, hanging out
I'll think and think, there creeps a doubt
Maybe your thinking, wondering too
Is this the one, give me a clue

And here it comes the time to decide
you'll look at choices, you'll have the time
Hope against hope, you'll make up your mind
And keep it from me, you'll expect me to understand

So its happened before, its true I've gone numb
I don't bother asking, its been more than some
I've lost faith, I've made up my mind
There's nothing to do when things unwind

You'll keep acting, pretending its fine
Or maybe it was just me all the while
I won't be bitter, I won't cry
I'll wish you well, and hug you good bye

Another day, as time flies by
I'll even walk up to give you a Hi
Smile I might, perhaps a little coy
But its not for you, its for the lovely one by my side

M

Formula One - Ra One Fever

First of all am not an F1 Fan. I don't even understand the sport, though all the "Excitement" that the newscaster on Sports center manages by hustling in her seat has caught my attention. I do remember a classmate of mine in college,  who listed F1 as a sport she followed seriously, which made the rest of us roll our eyes. Its only when she let loose a barrage of statistics like her favorite driver Michael Shoe maker , Smuch maker, Schumacher that we all shut up. And avoided her.

Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada

So another of my official visits takes me to a new locale, the lovely city of Vizag, aka Visakhapatnam. Its funny cos, a couple of months ago, a friend of mine who was a regular to this place asked me over a beer as to where it was , and I said Tamil Nadu. My other smart friend said Kerala. Figures I scored bad at Geography.

Peace and Love

How long is long,

How long is right

When do you know,

To quit or to fight?

Feeling so tired,

Life isn't fair

But you know that already

Is it so bad to despair?

Its you vs them

Them vs someone else

That is where it ends

How much longer?

The trophy beckons
So much at stake
Yet each time, leaves me broken
Someone takes it away

I keep quitting, keep her at bay
No more aches, no more tries
When the time finally comes
I shall find, what deserves to be mine


M

The Coffee Shop Characters

The following post is a work of fiction.Any resemblance to you, your friends or relatives is purely tough luck. Nonetheless, if you feel offended you can sue the Coffee Shop.

Characters you'll meet at random coffee Shop:

1. The Regulars: This one comes into the coffee shop as if he owns the place. He'll nod his head at the cashier as if they actually know him, and won't place his order until they ask him. He'll smile and joke with the staff, and look at all the women as if they were in his Harlem. Eventually, he'll walk out waving at the staff, who are totally confused.

Here come the Parents

Yes Guys, they're coming. After 2 false alarms and multiple rounds of emotional negotiations, the parents are arriving on 16th. In the event that I never return to this blog, please come looking for me, as I might either be married off to some "good, homely girl" or be in one of the "the eligible bachelor" carnivals, roaming and being displayed from house to house to the parents of aforementioned females.

Apart from steeling myself from having 50% chance of seeing a lot of photos of women

Angry Birds go on fast

BREAKING NEWS: 

In startling developments, The Favorite of jobless people world over,  the Angry Birds, have now gone on an indefinite fast. Millions of users around the world are now finding it extremely difficult to cope without the angry birds, as having to use Chrome for actually searching rather than pretending to search is becoming job threatening. Medical Institutions have reported a 15% drop in patients with squinting eyes and thumb numbness, warning that numbers could go higher, destabilizing the app world.

When contacted, The Mighty Eagle,

The Story Book 3 - In Between

Pre Read
The Story Book 1 
The Story Book 2

While everyone was aware that Murali was around, I felt his presence more than anyone. After all we were two opposite's drawn together by the same differences. I remember having told him on my roof top one day that we are destined to come together and keep fighting. Nonetheless, my goal was to stay away from him, and to not get involved with anything remotely starting with a Mu

From then till now

Started with a note, ended with a cry
And then all joined, make fun of the short guy

Then there was a painter, but had to cross the sea
That left innocent tears, and memories

Soon it was school, the nicknames just fade
Who really bothers, at that time and age

Then it got serious, a deal was made
A Stone reached out for the Sun, an outsider made hay

Blood was shed, none could be seen
The Sun ran away, life was mean

And then another and another, sense prevailed
Some were anchors, and others just derailed

And a voice was heard, and heard it remained
reasons unknown, it went as it came

A shoulder was given, an ear for a tear
Time healed a wound, and opened another near

A word was said, a cookie shared
But remained memorable moments, here and there

Before one ends the other starts,
And before it starts, it too ends.

And so it goes, and so it is said

From then till now,
A Heart lost to the head.

M

Sidelines and more

Continuing from my previous post (more of a drunk slurry rant actually), I reflect and see that there may be a thing or two I missed.

When someone takes to the sideline strategy, you are aware of the risk you're taking. In fact more than anyone, you know that chances are that if the strategy goes on for too long, you probably are gonna get cut off.

Again, the sideline strategy is one of the few final measures, one that is used best as a quick short term thing, and by a very close friend.

However, the sideline strategy is sometimes not just administered to help someone contemplate and reflect, or correct something ,or giving some personal space. It is also a SACRIFICE. A supreme one at that.

People move from center court to the sidelines to make way for someone else, who can do much more than what they can. However, unlike in sport,in life you cannot be sure that you get back in or are able to influence a result in your favor.

It's left to the trust and faith you have in life and a higher power to get you back in the center, or to help you find a new court.

Sometimes you realize that you were in the wrong court from the word go.

Letting someone go for their own good, is the most painful and noblest thing a friend can do.

To nobility, Cheers!!!

M

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

In the sidelines

We all consider ourselves as good friends, always there for our best buds and others as well.

There are times when you laugh with them, and cry with them, yell at them and of course beat the crap out of them. It's all part of the gift of friendship.

But as my readers would agree, the toughest is when you have to let them go free, let them find their way out because no one else can.

Like a coach in the sidelines you edge them on, cheering their victories and letting them learn from their falls. For their own good. Sometimes pain brings a lot of learning and wisdom, which no one else can impart.

And while you play the role of devils advocate, standing at the sidelines, someone comes around and inadvertently hits the right spot with you friend, whom you so tried to protect.

In a moment your not relevant, your not the first choice, and your not the first one on the speed dial.

What you painfully did looks like torture, and all of a sudden the silent judgment is passed that you've been insensitive and selfish. Reminds me of how Rocky was treated by his protege in Rocky 4.

And thats where it ends. From the high pedestal, to waiting in the sidelines, for ever more.

It's been too many sidelines, and too less for me in my sidelines.

Sometimes it's like a corner of darkness, in the sidelines...





- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

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Mumbai, Marine Drive and Vada Pav

My close friends know that I have Mumbai-phobia. For a very old reason, the place terrifies me, in fact the possibility of having to travel by " the local trains" will ensure I don't board the flight in Bangalore, or even catch the meru cab to the airport. None the less, Mumbai is very different, very welcoming, and has a culture that is very different from most cities in India, and this is visible from the moment the plane touches down on the runway. (example follows later)

So I got this opportunity to attend a workshop that was important and last-minute enough to have me land in Mumbai on 25th Aug. Unlike other trips, this had nothing to do with asking people why they drink liquor, or why a shop sold liquor, where's my liquor,etc

Of Heart Attacks and ICU Escapades!!!

First up, I am perfectly alright, my heart is in great shape and this has been ratified by one of the leading cardiac surgeons in Bangalore. Second, if you are still concerned, you can send me cash, expensive electronic equipment(I Phone 4, I Pad, Mac books..) and goodies to make me feel better. Third, if any of you good folks speak to me again in a manner that resembles speaking to a man on his death bed, I shall sue you.

Life's still a bitch

Forewarning Dear Readers / Subscribers. This is rant, a follow up on my previous one.. You can choose to read and curse me, or delete and skip.

Pre read - You know, Life's a bitch and Snakes and Ladders. You can know more about my rants by searching for ramblings under labels and reading the last few posts under it. Which shall warn me that I have a potential stalker at hand. (Am just humoring myself that someone would go through all the trouble)

Anyways, there was this one time when I wasn't there for someone very important. Very, Very Important. And the poor buddy of mine got actually beaten up, with me watching. Doing nothing. I guess in a way I have never gotten over it, and till day I regret it.

So I had decided that I would never let anything of that sort happen again. I would be there for my friends. And I can honestly and shamelessly say, that till date, I have. Its a different thing that there are some people who forget you once they are off and sailing in a different boat, any ways its not a bother.

My Point in this post is, the frustration when you don't have a solution to someones problem. You don't know what you can do, you don't know if what you do can create more trouble, and most of all, if you are the problem and are not realizing it.

                

 VS. 

Aquarians have two major weaknesses. One they are not very good with emotions. They may love someone with all their heart, yet they will never be able to express it. On the other hand, they hate someone enough to kill them, yet will tolerate them on a daily basis. The Second weakness is that they look very normal on the surface. Deep down they live a life of daily conflict with their principles and the urge to break free from monotony.

I am an Aquarian.And believe me when I say this, Life is a bitch. Its frustrating to see friends move away. Its frustrating not being able to help a friend. Its even more frustrating to have to adapt to this every year, and live with the fact that its going to happen again. It hurts because we can't live without people around us. And we are quick to get attached to people!!!

I sometimes wonder if I am a nut case. I really do. I wonder if something happens to me, would any of the people I so care about bother? I pride myself on not having given people reason to hate me, unless its my nature they hate.I keep dreaming that someday I will find someone who'd be the missing link. There have been many false alarms in the past and some are in process, but you never know. Now I am ranting. Sheesh, think about thinking this way every minute!!!

Anyway, I have by know forgotten the point of this post, but its made me feel better. So there.

To all my boy and girl pals, I love you loads!!!

M

Travelling to Ladakh - Leh Part 2

You might want to start with the previous post in this article, at Travelling to Ladakh - Leh

So where was I ?, Ah Manali!!! Well to be honest its a nice town, nestled on the top of the hills, giving you a nice view of the entire town. However, I must say that the fame of the town is quite exaggerated. It is a beautiful place none the less, but I have seen better down South.

It was important for us to make the trip from Delhi to Manali and then Ladakh to get accustomed to the weather. Its not easy to adapt to the thinner air in the mountains, and we in spite of the road trip, had a tough time adjusting.

Anyways, we left for Ladakh, on an Toyota Innova at 2 Am in the night. 20 minutes on the ghats and a couple of horses later trouble stuck. The ice was melting on the roads, making it very sludgy. This was a bigger problem as the roads were under construction and everything was dug up. We must of got out at least 4 times to push and once with the help of the car behind us before the driver's side-winding nerve-racking tyre-burning tricks got us stuck in the sludge.

We then hitch hiked a cattle truck to reach across the major section of the road, before the road got blocked.

4 Am at Rohtang Pass may not sound amusing, with the cold and all, but when you get to see the sunrise amongst snow capped mountains and the morning mist, there are no words to describe it. Take a look at the snaps on the right!!!

Unfortunately, or in hindsight fortunately we got the chance to soak in the beauty of the Rohtang pass, were alternatively if things had gone well we would have missed the beautiful snow covered peaks of Rohtang and instead would have sped by in the darkness of the night.

We were stuck in the pass till about 10AM, by when the roads were dry and excavators were brought in to push away all the soft mud. But our vehicles tyres were so burned out, that it just wasn't going ahead. Finally after some 10 people put their hands on it, did the vehicle actually move ahead. This delay cost us time and later money as well, as we dint have time to drive back and had to fly instead.

I will skip all the sites in between, and head directly to Sarchu Base Camp. Because we got delayed, we had to make camp at a site in Sarchu. Though apparently a village, the only thing we saw was an army installation and two base camps. The camps are well set up, each tent with its one bathroom, a general kitchen and food, with good clean beds and blankets.

Its a few hours before this camp that the thin air got to us, and the head pounding began. Its the worst feeling in the world. You cant sit, stand, talk or do anything. Your head just keeps banging and banging. The solution? Chewing on Garlic, and Mint tea. I have since fallen in love with Mint Tea. Amazing!!!

We left in the morning after feeling better, and continued the journey. We had our lunch at Pang, which hosts the second highest transit army camp in the world. Till we reached Ladakh, we had a tyre puncture and another road block, before we actually reached Ladakh.

More on the Ladakh and Leh Sight Seeing in the next post!!!

M

Being Good is Being Mediocre

The other day, it struck me that people talk about only one kind of people. These are the ones that are clearly skewed towards one end of normalcy. Either totally bonkers or totally Einstien-tatious.

Think about it, who are you constantly talking about. The mad, psychotic boss of yours? Or is that awfully handsome chap on the next floor? Who do your gal pals talk about, hmmm? Yes, its true. Its the extremes that get all the honey!!!

Travelling to Ladakh - Leh

I have always fancied myself as a traveler, explorer of the unknown and in search of adventure.

(OK, Stop Laughing)

Age of Destruction

Its that age
The Age of Destruction

With The Bible of Enthusiasm
You're Baptised by fire
One Day you will reach the moon
Till then you won't tire

You're neither here
and you're neither there
The world's your playground
and your stuck in a snare

You beat your arms to reach higher
While you sink, Quicksand all over
One moment your good, great
The next your spent and late

You think you have time
But in reality you don't
You juggle too many things
Hoping to make it count

And then,You Can't wait
Can't rewind
So you start pushing
Your tagged, and left behind

You regret what you have done
And more what you haven't
"Make your own future"
Life catches up

One moment in love
The next, married to someone else
Under the burden of expectations
from others and yourself

Too young to ignore
Too old to be carefree
You learn to be responsible
And yet yearn to be free

The Road has been tough
For the less troden path
Its Frustating cos theres no light
At each lampost you pass by

And yet we will go
In search of redemption
Its the age
The Age of Destruction.

M

Doubt

I Don't think you're right
I Don't want you to be
I Don't care if you are
Cos your nothing to me

Just get out
Outta my head
Go someplace else
Bleed, Bleed, Bleed, till your dead

I can't think straight
With you seducing me
I can open my eyes
But I still can't see

Now I know you, hate you
See you for what you are
I shall fight you, beat you
A scar for a scar

Don't come back
Don't come close
Enough is Enough
In my head you shall lose

I know you're not right
I don't want you to be
I Don't care if you are,
You''ll never get through to me.


M

The Stone

Early in the morning 

Dry, Dusty and forlorn

It was just moments ago

When she left for another stone

The time is approaching, soon

She'll come slowly by,

A lovely cooling stream at first,

and then go gushing by

She drowns me in her self

Giggling, Playful and full of life

Before she takes another turn

And is gone without a sight

That is the way she goes

Bending and touching every stone

Giving love and life to a creature

not capable of loving in return

She will not wait for me

There are many that wait ahead

"What do you have to offer" - she says

"You are but just a stone"

And so I wait, For her return

It his her nature. to move along

A stone I am, I do not doubt

But one that glistens the most,

When shes around.

It is now Twilight

Dry, Dusty and forlorn

It was just moments ago

When she left for another stone

M
(Written some time in 2010, found it in my drafts!!!)

Men

Over the years DM has hinted at regular Male Behaviour through its subtle posts. We spoke about the difference in Men and Women Drivers, why a book is better than a girl friend (for which we the womens lib army held us up \m/) and of course the How To clean room / Kitchen Series. We also suggested the way men relax in The Art of Meditation. However the fairer society doesn't seem to be getting the hint. (Though they can come up with a wide range of accusations, etc) So we came up with some stuff that could be helpful.


1. When guys are pissed, they want to be left alone. Do NOT ask the following Questions
     - How's my Hair
     - You don't love me anymore
     - (After 5 min) Are you ok now?
     - (After 10 min) Am Bored. Wanna go to a movie?

2. Men love Gadgets. And vice versa. Do Not mess with them.The Gadgets I mean.

3. Men evolved from apes. Apes are messy. So are men. Don't nag them to clean up. Won't help. EVER.

4. NEVER give directions to a guy driving/riding. Catch an auto if you know the way.

5. Magenta, Ruby Red, Scarlet, Sky Blue, Cyan, etc are beyond understanding. Stick to Rainbow definition of  colours.

6. Men instinctively are problem solvers. They look at everything thats not right as a problem. So if you say " I had a horrible day at work" you'll probably get a reply like " Why don't ya quit?"

7. Men are not very good listeners. Especially when your on one of those "she said to her friend, who is the sister of my uncles brother in law, and then they came to...blah blah blah" etc. You want them to listen, tell them before you start!!!

8. Defintiely not good at subtle hints. If your upset, please tell them why!!!

9. Cricket and Football are not to be messed with. Even if Ekta Kapoor is doing the acting in the 47,000th episode of a 5 year old serial on Whose finally going to marry Manav/Ritesh/Amit/etc

10. Men are numbskulls some times. They mess up and get things wrong. But that doesn't mean they don't know it. They're probabaly feeling bad about it and wanna make it up to you. Don't start a nagging riot!!!

Hope this helps!!! (If it doesn't., read again :P )

:)
M

How to Clean the Kitchen

After the oh - so - popular post on How To Clean Your Room , we are back with the next edition on cleanliness ( B-O-R-I-N-G)  for all you lazy Bachelors - "How to Clean the Kitchen"

We do want to warn you though, that if you are planning to get married in the near future, don't try this with the new cutlery. Won't go well with the missus / or the in law's for that matter. And you certainly don't want to let them catch you reading this, so read this like you would read porn. (You Randy Scoundrel, You!!!)

So here goes...

You know, Life's a Bitch.

Dear Maddy boy,

The first line we wrote in our diary, much before blogs, vlogs, and others was this...

"I don't know why am writing this."

6 years later we still don't know why. Guess going by that single point we haven't progressed much.

But on the contrary I have. I thought more, bothered more, cared more, loved more and lived more. I did what was morally right and socially acceptable. I kept myself last and pushed on in the hope that I would get the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I had it all figured out like Spock from Star Trek.

But I realize now that I was happier when I was a selfish, egoistic, moron who didn't give a shit. You made me change for what was supposed to be right. But was it right?

Your silly notions of right and wrong, good and bad, what ifs and maybes have led to exactly where you are now. And you and I both know that it sucks. BIG TIME.

Of Beaches, Babes and Beer - GOA!!!

Finally!!! After years of thirst and longing, on 8th April, via Kingfisher Red's wobbly ATR Flight Number 26 -sumthin-sumthin, we landed in the bloody hot paradise of Goa.

The Best part about Goa is, that the moment you land, you feel like drinking beer. Which is good of course, considering that you can buy beer/liquor at cheap prices in any place that has 2 shelves and a roof. That's what this place is all about, and that's what all the teenagers keep hoping to do in Goa.

The moment you land in the Airport, apart from the Cops and the Taxis wala's, everyone is dressed

Am better than you

In between the busy schedule of life (wait, is that an ad line?Shit!) I notice that we suffer from "One Upmanship". For some reason, we don't seem to be able to digest another person getting the better of us.

Lose a race? Well I was tired.

Your Best bud got better grades? They copied.

The new guy got promoted? The guys a ass kisser.... etc etc

I see day in and day out, that people who are on the receiving end of life (the good side of course) cannot stand the lesser fortunate ones getting even a shred of good fortune. They have to strip them and downplay their effort, if not in public forums, then at least in private spaces that are convenient enough for other to overhear. Thereby keeping their "I am perfect" image intact.

Its sad side of human nature, that in all our glory, we not only are unhappy with what we have, but are also interested in stealing from others and when we fail, to show others in bad light.

This incessant need to justify our failures and weaknesses by showing it as a product/fault of someone elses actions is the difference between good and bad , right and wrong, and happy and sad people.

At the end of the day, its all about "Am better than you".

I don't know if this is apt here, but I wanna quote :

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands in moments of challenge amid controversy."- Martin Luther King Jr.


M

The Tale of the Happy Day Driver

In my 4 years in Bangalore, I haven't once heard anyone praise the infamous autos that
terrorize the bumpy, metro stricken, Volvo clashing roads of the city. Being a patronizer of the few decent auto walas now and then, even I wouldn't expect good treatment from them.

It's a simple as being robbed. They over charge, won't drop you were you want to be dropped and keep cribbing all the way. If you don't know Kannada, then God save you.

I have also written about finding the right auto which will suggest that I have had my share of bad experiences.

However, on one fine day, walking the streets I found an alien driver. He not only got off his seat to usher me in, he smiled and wished me "happy day sir". Now my warning bells went off, naturally, that this chap is going to fleece me with the little English that he knew. It was also April 1st, so I kept looking over my shoulder for any suspicious looking vehicles following us around with the camera crew of MTV bakra.

Surprisingly, not only did he take me by the shortest route, his meter was perfect and he returned me every rupee of change. No awkward shuffling in his pocket and all the standard " no change sir" strategy. He also wished me "happy day" when I was getting off.

My curiosity got the better of me, and I corrected him saying that it was good morning and not happy day. He then proceeded to tell me that he was attending a leadership program (albeit a small one conducted by social welfare groups) where they taught English. His reason for saying happy day was that happy day was better than just good morning. If out of 10 passengers, 2 spoke to him about this "happy day" it made him happy and reduced his stress of having to drive from 9 to 9.






Think about that!!!

M



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

26 and Mourning

When I got out of the doctors clinic today, I realized that at 26, am set for an Early retirement from life.

He made it sound very simple, a smiling "don't worry this is nothing" nod as he explained RSI to me ( and it's common these days) but I just couldn't pay attention.

It wasn't just physical ailments now and then that were bugging me, but a sense that things were getting worse. Over the last 6 months, I developed a back problem, a knee injury that returned and now repetitive stress injury. Coupled with some emotional hiccups and heartache, I am in the worst shape of my life!!!

All this while I thought I could take it. I diverted my attention to work to block out everything else, but I missed all the signals my body was giving me. Tried to hold in and hide, and ended up more irritated and frustrated.

A couple of hours of star gazing, and I see that life is no longer the same as the energetic, basketball playing dreamer that existed 3 years ago. Instead a fat, broken, workaholic face stares at me in the mirror. I have done what I always thought I would, but at what cost? Why have I let go?

Things are going to change, and the bottom line is nothing can be done about it. Fate has a way of telling you that somethings are not for you, no matter how you try to convince yourself that you deserve it. And each time, it hurts.

Probably the last couple of months have been the nails in the coffin.

The 26 year old me mourns the me of yesteryears. Where do I go from here?

M

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

An Iphone, a Zoozoo and The Pug

(The Subject line of the blog is the subject of the mail I sent to Vodafone to get my point across)

Before I start, I need to let you know the background, so I don't sound like a 100% Grade 1 Bastard. Though I didnt get the choice of which subscriber I picked up with the I phone, My troubles began on Day 1, 2009

1. No one at Vodafone had a clue as to how the Internet was to be activated on the I phone. It took them a month to figure the right SMS. (understandable, being new device to India and all that)

2. My balances kept vanishing under the pretext of "user" charges.
3. A year of silence later, I finally am able to get the net services on the phone, after hours of talking to customer care.
4. The Terror of "Submit Documents" begins. (At this point, please note I have legitamately been using this number for 5 years) Every call, you get the "submit the documents" voice, Every day an SMS.
5. I walk into Vodafone, store give them the documents, and walk out.
6. Vodafone refuses to back down, attacks with more "submit Document" calls and SMS.
7. I walk into Vodafone, store give them the documents, and walk out.
8. Vodafone refuses to back down, attacks with more "submit Document" calls and SMS.
9. I fight through 100s of people, for hours and submit documents.
10. Vodafone is still doing the same ...submit documents. They further proceed to cut my caller id, incoming and outgoing on the day that MNP is introduced in Bangalore. Thereby forcing me to stick to them and their non service. They also refuse to respond to my mails to unlock the phone.

Finally, I get some mail ids on FB (Big Big People), and cross check on Linkedin, and proceed to send the following mail.


Hi,
Today, I really felt that I should write this mail to let you know a few things.
I have enjoyed your services over the last 5 years, first as Hutch and then as Vodafone, and recently as a satisfied I Phone customer.You had amazing offerings, and your services drew me to sticking on.The Cute Pug ad also played a big role in keeping me hooked to your brand.

However, recent treatment from Vodafone has made me feel that I have displeased your Pug and fallen in the eyes of the ZooZoos.

Apparently,fighting my way through hundreds of "happy" subscribers to submit address/photo documents in your store (that opens conveniently after 11am) is not enough. Even If I do it 3 times.

I don't have much choice when your "help" centre is busy attending other calls, or a pretty voice asks me to keep pressing numbers (while am bombarded with your recent caller tune campaigns) to reach the elusive human on the other end.

As a Marketing Professional, your "happy to help" campaign inspires me to write this mail, hoping to have either my calls and SMS restored, or my phone unlocked so as to switch the service provider.

In the entire scheme of things, am sure one subscriber does not have a big say, But I hope to have your help in either way.

 
 
Needless to say, the next day everything was back in place, and the day after that a nice gentleman came down to pick my documents and to submit them.
 
At the end, after everything, they did solve the problem, so I guess at least someone in Vodafone is happy to help!!!
 
Cheers
M

Villages and Cities, Rivers and Trees

I just got back from Home, a wonderful place that is untouched by the evils of society. By Evils I mean, Cellular Networks, E Mails and Facebook. And "Modernity" as we, the lesser souls of the city, know it.

Life in the Village is so different. It's as if the the Village itself is breathing. The rooster actually crows at sunrise, and you awake to trickles of sunlight shooting in through tiled roofs, to the smell of early morning dew and dust (not the city version) in the air, smell of fresh coffee brewing and the morning bath getting ready under burning wood.

Children walk/run to school, chattering about their pony tails and picking interesting stones. In the rare occasion that they do catch a bus, there's a broad smile when they climb it, because its a joy ride for them. A Cadbury Eclairs is a treasure to be savored on a right occasion and the sound of the school bell ringing in the end of class is the sign of freedom. Freedom to run through fields, over bridges, skipping over rivulets and staring at birds, all the way home.

Everyone smiles at everyone, and asks their welfare. Everyone helps everyone and there's never a task a couple of hands can't help you achieve. Old Men and Women tell tales of old, and the grand children run around in the courtyard playing tag. No Complicated Wii and No roller coaster rides that need safety belts to have fun in.

Rivers gurgle their way through the village, gently teasing the rocks and skipping under wooden bridges. Trees are massive skyscrappers, and its amazing what green does to your eyes. Large expanse of green and green, tall trees of areca nut rubbing shoulders with coconut palms , towering over mazes of banana plantations.

And as twilight sets in, flocks of birds settle in for the night in their cosy nests, singing goodnight to world around them. Oil Lamps come out on the "Tulsi" and Gates, and the temple bells ring loudly for the last prayer of the day, before the village goes off to sleep, under the beautiful watch of the twinkling stars.

Cities are just cement and rock. And its making the people in them, just as lifeless as themselves.

Home in the village is the only place I can sit and do Nothing, and still feel content in just being.

Cheers
M

What are you to do with dreams?

Dreams kill me. They really do. I mean its like living the whole thing and your thinking and running around and just doing things. Going through all those emotions and then you wake up. And your caught between being blown away and feeling stupid.

And how come you don't get dreams that make you laugh, like comedy dreams? Its either scary, or a thriller or a sad one or a completely crazy one. I had dreams where people from absolutely different places and time lines are pulled in to one.

Recently, I had a series (Check for dreams under the Dreamlog tab) of dreams all revolving around one single person and its like watching a TV Serial, just that its so real. The Series is still on.

If you do a quick Google search on meaning of dreams, you'll get tons of literature on dreams, a few porn sites and lots of horoscope stuff. But more or less they all point to one thing (Except the porn of course)- Your most inner thoughts and subconscious mind come together to show you what's really on your mind.

Fair Enough. So what then? React or realize or what?

At the end of it all, what do you do with them?!!!

M

100 Must Read Books

I suddenly awoke to my long time wish of reading. So some surfing later I arrived at three different sets of must read books. Namely

1. The BBC List 100
2. From the Affiliate Marketing Blog
3. D J McAdam's list

Some of the books are common, while the BBC List has more uncommon options. I don't suggest or recommend any of them particularly, but I liked the ones on the Affiliate Marketing Blog. So am re producing the same below

1. Plato, The Republic
2. Homer, The Odyssey
3. William Shakespeare - One really must read all of Shakespeare
4. Emily Brontë, Wuthering Heights
5. Nathaniel Hawthorne, The House of the Seven Gables
6. Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo
7. Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
8. Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
9. Wilkie Collins, The Woman in White. 
10. Owen Wister, The Virginian  
11. Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment
12. Franz Kafka, The Trial
13. Ernest Hemingway, The Sun Also Rises
14. James Joyce, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
15. Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
16. Herman Melville, Moby Dick
17. Egar Allan Poe, Complete Short Stories
18. Ralph Waldo Emerson, Collected Essays
19. Henry David Thoreau, Walden. In my mind, Thoreau and Emerson should be read regularly by all Americans, but that's just one man's opinion.
20. J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings
21. Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
22. Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hound of the Baskervilles
23. Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales
24. Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
25. Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
26. Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
27. Hermann Hesse, The Glass Bead Game
28. Bram Stoker, Dracula
29. Jonathan Swift, Gulliver's Travels
30. Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography
31. Jack London, The Call of the Wild
32. Henry James, The American
33. Edith Wharton, Ethan Frome
34. Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness
35. Aldous Huxley, Brave New World
36. George Orwell, Animal Farm
37. Dashiell Hammett, The Maltese Falcon
38. Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep
39. P. G. Wodehouse, Carry On, Jeeves
40. Jules Verne, A Journey to the Center of the Earth
41. Daniel Defoe, Robinson Crusoe
42. Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
43. Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Idiot
44. Sherwood Anderson, Winesburg, Ohio
45. Henry James, Daisy Miller
46. E. W. Hornung, Raffles, The Amateur Cracksman
47. Henry James, Washington Square
48. James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson
49. Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged. This is the book you must read, but you might want to read The Fountainhead first.
50. F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
51. John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath
52. Hermann Hesse, Demian
53. Hermann Hesse, Steppenwolf
54. Albert Camus, The Stranger
55. Jack Kerouac, On the Road
56. Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace
57. Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
58. George Orwell, 1984
59. Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
60. Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass
61. Sun Tzu, The Art of War
62. Thomas Paine, Common Sense and Other Essays
63. Marcus Aurelius, Meditations
64. Erich Maria Remarque, All Quiet on the Western Front
65. St. Augustine, Confessions
66. Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote
67. W. Somerset Maugham, The Razor's Edge
68. H. G. Wells, The Time Machine
69. Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac
70. Sun Tzu, The Art of War
71. Anne Rice, The Witching Hour  
72. Lee Child, Die Trying

Some more from the other lists...

  73.    Harper Lee, To Kill a Mocking Bird

  74.    Joseph Heller, Catch 22

  75.    Audrey Niffenegger,The Time Traveller’s Wife 

  76.    Charles Dickens, David Copperfield

  77.    CS Lewis, Chronicles of Narnia
  78.    Jane Austen, Emma
  79.    Jane Austenm Persuasion
  80.    Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones’s Diary
  81.    Salman Rushdie, Midnight’s Children
  82.    Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger

I hope to read these books in a manner that makes sense to me, and that I learn something from them. Not a wild chase to complete a list, actually.

Meanwhile, you might want to check out www.goodreads.com Nice stuff for book lovers. Arrange, review, find friends and all that.

Cheers
M

 

 

Straight from the heart

Though I may have managed to drag around to the other side of 25 on this Feb 14th, am very happy. For many reasons.

Am happy for the 150 odd wishes on FB, a dozen odd sms, 30 odd calls, 40 + personal wishes, some great surprises, lottsa cake,  a kid who couldn't get enough of jumping on my shoulders, 2 dear friends whom I dint meet in a loooooong time, 2 best buds who called me as usual in the middle of night to regale stories of times gone by, some old food, a dear friend ("giggle") who went a long way to make it a great day and gifts :)

Its moments that these that make me grateful for wonderful people around me. Though a lot of my buddies are going to get married soon, and probably life won't be the same as before, am hopeful that there will always be people around the corner that I can hug and feel at home.

Though there are many reasons to be unhappy, I think its time to put it all behind and enjoy each day as it comes. Or At least try to.

Life is wonderful sometimes.

M

Dreamlog - On French Island

Walking around the beach in the morning sun was as normal as it could get. But not for Ajay. He was on an island in France which was hardly the size of his college block, with his friend, on the invitation of the girl he loved and even more painfully her fiance. Which was what made it un-normal so to speak.

What made it strange was that he couldn't understand how there were grape vines growing out of the sea, what the hell his friend who had nothing to do with this part of his life,was doing there with him, and why there was an Indian style STD telephone booth in the middle of a beach in France.Through out this journey, he never once saw the face of the girl nor her fiance, but heard them throughout, talking to each other about things only two people in love could. He could only imagine of course.

He also got into an interaction with some Thailand natives, arguing about the size of the L shaped swimming pool in their home, which was tiled with colorful mosaic which looked more like a Lego collection.

At the end of it all, he woke up with a feeling of sadness and confusion.

P S  - Point to prove that "Ajay" has some wacky sixth sense(for the umpteenth time), "Ajay's Friend" sent "Ajay" a face book message asking him how he knew this "girl" in question on the same day in the afternoon.There are no coincidences in life.

***
Living a lie is a difficult task. Doing it everyday is emotional suicide.


M